Original network: NBC (1989-1990)
Moved to: Syndication (1991-2001)
How it fared: After initial low ratings, "Baywatch" was dumped by NBC after just one season, but found a much nicer home in first-run syndication. There, the Hoff and a succession of lovely ladies -- including Pamela Anderson (who joined in 1992) -- stole the hearts of viewers each week for over ten years. The tawdry adventure-soap was, for a time, allegedly the most-watched show in the world. It spun off the less successful drama "Baywatch Nights."

- Dave Lewis